There are so many good books out there. I often find myself wanting to read them all and have come to the place of trusting God to show me which are meant for me. And when as well, for timing is everything. Such is the case with the book, Love Does by Bob Goff. Everyone was talking about Love Does when it was first released a few years ago. Quotes on twitter made me desire to read the book. I even bought it. Yet I did not even crack open its covers until a few days ago.
It was with both interest and gratitude that I read the story Bob shares on his pursuit of his wife. And pursue her he did. Maria, on the other hand, was not so interested in being pursued at first. Bob shares…
Because God made me to love Maria, and because God made it so I had to convince her to love me back, He gave me a very real way to understand what is happening in the universe.
(page 52)
A deeper understanding of God began to form in his heart as he pursued the love of his life. He continues…
Because of our love for each other, I understand just a little more how God has pursued me in creative and whimsical ways, ways that initially did not get my attention. Nevertheless, He wouldn’t stop. That’s what love does – it pursues blindly, unflinchingly, and without end. When you go after something you love, you’ll do anything it takes to get it, even if it costs everything.
(page 52)
This is the place I had been stuck for a few days. I found myself questioning –
Do I love others in this manner?
Do I love others like God loves me?
Oh sure, there are those I love deeply, no holds barred. But then, they love me too which makes it easy. Somehow I do not think these are the only ones I am called to love.
There are those that are difficult, prickly even, hard to get near. And then there are the ones that always have a chip on their shoulder. What about the ones that are draining, always seeming to need more than I can give? Then there is the biggest challenge – loving the ones who have hurt me.
Can you see the dilemma I began to find myself? I didn’t dare continue to read on as I was not sure how sticky this would all get for me, so I stopped right there. With my bookmark set in place on page 52, I closed the book for days.
And then I read the words of Someone else….
Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. (1 Peter 4:8, The MSG)
“As if my life depended on it.” Yeah.
If I were to be totally honest, I would be loving some a whole lot differently IF my life depended on it. How differently life would be for all of us if we loved in this manner – blindly, unflinchingly, and without end.
- Blindly. To love without having any reservations or objections. Done without any basis for it.
- Unflinchingly. To love without shrinking back from difficulty. To love steadily, constantly, without faltering.
- Without end. To love perpetually. To possess a love that doesn’t change based on feelings or circumstances. A love that endures.
Last week, I continued to go back and read the same page, over and over. I am ready to move on to the next page. I continue on with fear and trepidation, lol, as I realize my heart may never be the same. But I do know this much, I want to love others.
I want to love as if my life depends on it.
Today I am joining with … Hear It, Use It and Making Your Home Sing and Motivation Mon. and Inspire Me Mon. and Sharing His Beauty and Mon. Musings and Living Proverbs 31 .
Hi Joanne, I based my Thursday linkup on this Bible study. I have yet to read it but it was his teaching on quitting something every Thursday that inspired me. Now I want to read the book.
I didn’t know this book was in study form. Interesting. The book is wonderful & has challenged me in many ways. You will love the book!
“If I were to be totally honest, I would be loving some a whole lot differently IF my life depended on it.”
Ouch. Me, too. I read Bob Goff’s book last year; it is very inspiring. But yes, it does make you reevaluate how you love. I came up short….
I am very much enjoying the book. I think it will make each one of us think & reevaluate the capacity to which we truly love.
As if my life depended on it…wow. Loved this Joanne, may have to go find that book!
You will be blessed for reading it. It is an easy read but very thought provoking for sure.